UNESCO Floodplains
Visit the Pantanal and explore this wildlife rich area on foot, on horseback and in canoes.
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Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Designed to appeal to wildlife enthusiasts, this holiday to Brazil takes in the vast wetlands of the Pantanal, the world’s largest protected tropical rainforest corridor in the Amazon, and a unique conservation and community project in the foothills of the Mantiqueira mountains.
Navigate the UNESCO floodplains of the northern Pantanal, from Araras Eco Lodge, in search of jaguar and caiman before immersing yourself in the rainforest at Cristalino Lodge. After a few nights soaking up the iconic sites of Rio, head inland to a 5,000 hectare private reserve of mountains, waterfalls and forests, where wildlife thrives and positive initiatives inspire. These lodges allow nature to take centre stage, with all of them engaging in critical work to protect the biodiversity of Brazil and educate travellers and their local communities.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Jaguar River Safari
Visit a protected jungle corridor, home to the highest density of jaguar on Earth.
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Birds Eye Views
Enjoy endless views of the rainforest canopy and its resident birdlife from observation towers.
Wildlife Conservation
Stay in accommodation protecting the muriquis spider monkey and the blue macaw.
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Day 1
Sao Paolo - Cuiaba - Pantanal
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Days 2-4
Pantanal, Araras Eco Lodge
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Day 5
Pantanal - Cuiba - Alta Floresta - Amazon
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Days 6-8
Amazon, Cristalino Lodge
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Days 9
Amazon - Alto Floresta- Cuiba - Rio de Janeiro
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Day 10
Rio de Janeiro (Porto Bay Hotel)
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Day 11
Rio de Janeiro - Ibitipoca Lodge
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Days 12-13
Ibitipoca Lodge
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Day 14
Ibitipoca Lodge - Juiz de Fora - Sao Paolo
Day 1
Sao Paolo - Cuiaba - Pantanal
Fly from Sao Paolo to Cuibana where you will be met and transferred around two and a half hours to your accommodation in the Pantanal.
Days 2-4
Pantanal, Araras Eco Lodge
Spend the next three days exploring the Pantanal via the range of activities on offer at the lodge – walking trails, bird watching, horse riding and canoeing. On one of the days, travel two and a half hours south to the Cuiaba River for a river safari in search of jaguar.
Day 5
Pantanal - Cuiba - Alta Floresta - Amazon
Transfer back to Cuiba for a 60 minute flight to Alta Floresta. On arrival transfer approximately 90 minutes by road and 30 minutes by boat to your lodge in the Amazon.
Days 6-8
Amazon, Cristalino Lodge
Spend three days exploring the Amazon and its wildlife via a range of immersive activities, including rainforest hikes, river kayaking and boat trips. The observation towers offer sweeping panoramas of the emerald canopy and are ideal for spotting birdlife.
Days 9
Amazon - Alto Floresta- Cuiba - Rio de Janeiro
Transfer back to Alto Floresta for the 60 minute flight to Cuiba and onto Rio. On arrival transfer to your hotel.
Day 10
Rio de Janeiro (Porto Bay Hotel)
Spend a day at leisure exploring the city.
Day 11
Rio de Janeiro - Ibitipoca Lodge
Transfer overland approximately five hours to your accommodation.
Days 12-13
Ibitipoca Lodge
Spend two days exploring the area – walking or e-biking some of the beautiful trails, alongside lakes and waterfalls, horse-riding, canoeing or visiting their muriquis spider monkey conservation project. Relaxation in the spa or a spot of yoga is also an option.
Day 14
Ibitipoca Lodge - Juiz de Fora - Sao Paolo
Transfer approximately two hours to Juiz de Fora and fly to Sao Paolo for onward travel.
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